By Dan Ambrose: Former IBF super middleweight champion Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant says a rematch with Canelo Alvarez is “close” to happening. With Plant’s popularity, he’s a strong option for Canelo to fight next year in May or September.
Canelo knocked out Plant in the eleventh round in a competitive fight in November 2021 to become the undisputed champion at 168. The event brought in a lot of PPV buys, making it Canelo’s most successful one in ages since his first two fights against Gennadiy Golovkin.
Before then, Plant says he’d like to fight Jermall Charlo at 168 if he’s interested in fighting him. Last month, Plant slapped Jermall in the face on July 28th at the weigh-in for the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford fight.
The video of the slap went viral, creating a ton of interest from boxing fans for a Plant-Charlo fight. However, Jermall hasn’t spoken up to indicate that he would be interested in fighting Plant.
It’s understandable because he’s a possibility for Canelo to fight next May if the Mexican star successfully defends his undisputed super middleweight championship against Jermell on September 30th.
‘Sweethands’ Plant will likely need to fight someone else this year because Jermall is expected to stay in a holding pattern, waiting for a fight with Canelo.
If Canelo comes out victorious against Jermell and doesn’t take a fight with Terence Crawford or Benavidez, Plant would be an excellent option for him next May. It’s important for Plant to get back in the ring soon against a top 15 opponent to get a win under his belt to strengthen his position for a rematch with Canelo.
Beating one of these contenders would help Plant if he can’t get Jermall to face him:
- Diego Pacheco
- Demetrius Andrade
- Jaime Munguia
- Edgar Berlanga
- Bektemir Melikuziev
- Kevin Sadjo
- Ali Akhemdov
- Vladimir Shishkin
Plant (22-2, 13 KOs) is ranked #4 WBC and lost his last fight against David Benavidez last March by a close twelve round unanimous decision. Benavidez edged it by the scores 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111.
“That’s what I’d like. I’ve let my management know what I want, and that’s what I want. I’m saying it here live,” said Caleb Plant to I AM ATHLETE about him wanting to fight Jermall Charlo next.
“That’s what I want, but you can’t force anyone to get in there and fight. He’s got whatever he’s got going on.”
“But I’m free at the end of the year. That’s what I want to do, but it takes two to tango.
“I lost to Canelo, and I had to take a little bit of time off to heal an injury that I got in training. I came back, and I fought two-time world champion Anthony Dirrell.
“I stepped to David Benavidez and obviously losing. I got right back in the gym, trying to smooth some edges in my game and getting better at things, and it looks like I’ll be back in the ring by the end of the year.
“The experience level and activity level are probably the two biggest,” said Plant on why he had problems against Canelo Alvarez.
“With David [Benavidez], he’s a big guy. He’s really a 175-pounder who is killing himself to make 168 pounds. That was a close fight too. Continue to smooth some edges in my game.
“As far as who was the harder fight, Canelo has the experience and punches harder than David, but David is bigger and puts more combinations together. They both have their flaws and things they’re really good at.
“Canelo’s style has changed over the years, but I don’t want to get into that. I’m pretty close to having a rematch. It’s never good to correct your enemies. I’m going to let him do his thing, and I’m sure we’ll meet up soon,” said Plant.
